Bin for collecting valuable biological materials

ABSTRACT

The inventive bin for collecting valuable biological materials comprises a container (G) which has a floor ( 3 ), side walls ( 2 ) and an openable lid ( 4 ). Said container is provided with at least one aeration opening ( 7 ). Side grates ( 10 ) are provided inside the container (G) and are situated at a distance from the side walls ( 2 ), the intermediate spaces between the side grates ( 10 ) and the corresponding adjacent side walls ( 2 ) being connected to the at least one aeration opening ( 7 ). An inset for converting a usual commercial refuse bin ( 1 ) into a bin of this type comprises at least two sides grates ( 10 ) and fixing elements ( 8 ) which are configured for mounting on the inner surfaces of the side walls ( 2 ) of the refuse bin ( 1 ).

[0001] The present invention relates to a bin for collecting valuable biological materials, comprising a vessel, which has a bottom, side walls and a lid, which can be opened, and has at least one opening for the passage of air.

[0002] With the background knowledge, that the resources for raw materials, as well as the dumping space for waste materials are limited, aspects of the control of recycling have entered into the disposal of waste in recent years. One aspect of this is the separate collection of organic waste, especially kitchen and garden waste, in order to convert this waste in composting plants into compost, which is used as a soil improver in the agricultural and horticultural industries as well as in agriculture and horticulture.

[0003] The separate collection of valuable biological materials, on the hand, and the remainder of garbage, on the other, coupled in part with a separate collection of materials that can be recycled, such as plastics, glass, metals and/or paper, frequently is associated with a considerable increase in the disposal fees. The costs of the treatment of the valuable biological materials in the composting plant play a lesser role here, because they are frequently covered more or less by the proceeds achieved by the sale of the finished compost. On the other hand, the collection and transporting costs have a decisive effect on these additional costs. In this connection, it is of fundamental importance that, especially in warm regions and for during the summer months, emptying intervals of a week or, in some cases, even appreciably less, are required for hygienic reasons. This is the case especially when conventional waste barrels are used for collecting valuable biological materials, since anaerobic decomposition processes take place especially in wet kitchen waste under the influence of heat and with the exclusion of air and are associated with, at times, disgust-arousing emissions of odor and health-endangering emissions of fungi, germs and spores. In addition, in the closed waste barrels, used to collect valuable biological materials, a climate exists, in which vermin can reproduce particularly well.

[0004] In order to suppress the occurrence of anaerobic processes in the collective valuable biological materials, conventional waste barrels have already been provided with openings for the passage of air, especially in the side walls and/or in the lid. In some cases, such barrels, provided with openings for the passage of air, were additionally equipped with ribs in the region of the inner surfaces of the side walls. These ribs prevented contact between the valuable biological materials and the openings for the passage of air and, in this way, were to improve the ventilation (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,796). Moreover, a hinged bottom grating is fastened to the rear wall of the vessel. However, these known collecting bins prove to be hardly better than conventional, closed, collecting bins without openings for the passage of air, because relatively wet, small-format and smooth kitchen waste, such as potato peels and the like, tend to adhere between the ribs at the inner surfaces of the side walls of the barrel and, in this way, obstruct the openings for the passage of air. As a consequence, the same anaerobic decaying and fermentation processes take place in the collected valuable biological materials, as in closed waste barrels without openings for the passage of air. Accordingly, when these known collecting bins are used, especially in hot regions and/or months, cost-intensive emptying plans with short emptying intervals of a week or less are also unavoidable, in order to satisfy hygienic requirements.

[0005] Further proposals to retrofit existing waste barrels by ventilation inserts, so that they become particularly suitable for collecting waste that can be composted, can be inferred from DE 35 17 262 C1, WO95/01294, DE 297 03 055 U1 and EP 0 502 365 A1. For example, it is proposed in DE 35 17 262 C1 that a screen insert in the form of a basket be used in a conventional standard bin for collecting waste, the walls of the screen insert maintaining a distance from the side walls of the waste bin, in order to bring about, in conjunction with the openings for the passage of air, which are provided in the side walls of the waste bin, a ventilation for the waste, which can be composted and is taken up in the screen insert. The WO95/01294 also discloses a corresponding combination of a conventional waste bin with a basket-like screen insert, which is taken up in the waste bin; however, it is additionally proposed here that a woven or perforated supporting bag and, in this, in turn, a paper bag, be taken up in the basket-like screen insert, the paper bag being closed for the emptying, so that it slides easily out of the supporting bag.

[0006] The DE 297 03 055 U1 discloses different variants of collecting bins, which are equipped for collecting waste that can be composted and for which in each case at least one ventilating grating is provided. The possibilities are disclosed of assigning a ventilating grating to a side wall or of assigning a flat or angled ventilating grating to two adjacent comer regions for forming venting shafts.

[0007] The EP 0 502 365 A1 discloses a waste collecting bin for compostable waste. A venting region is defined by means of a profiled venting element, which is disposed at a distance from the rear wall of the bin. In addition, a pivotable bottom grating is provided, which is mounted at the venting element.

[0008] These proposals have the common disadvantage that the relatively inexpensive collection of valuable biological materials cannot be achieved with the collecting bins in question. Accordingly, some of the expenditure, associated with the manufacture of the collecting bin, is quite high. Moreover, in some cases, under unfavorable circumstances (see above), anaerobic fermentation processes proceed in the known collecting bins and, for reasons of hygiene, require a cost-effective emptying with short emptying intervals. The remaining useful volume, which is much too small, also requires short emptying cycles, as a result of which high collection costs result.

[0009] From this, the objective of the present invention is derived and consists of providing a collecting bin of the above-named type, which makes the relatively inexpensive collection of valuable biological materials possible.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, this objective is accomplished owing to the fact that, in the interior of the vessel, two mutually opposite side gratings are provided, which are disposed at a distance from the assigned side walls, the spaces between the side gratings and the respectively adjacent side walls being connected with the at least one opening for the passage of air. Furthermore, a bottom grating is provided, which is disposed at a distance from the bottom of the vessel. The bottom grating is mounted pivotably at the two mutually opposite side gratings.

[0011] In other words, the inventive collecting bins are distinguished owing to the fact that at least one portion of the side walls is assigned to a back-ventilated side grating. Moreover, a side grating can be assigned to each of the side walls of the bin; within the scope of the present invention, however, it is also possible to assign side gratings to only a portion of the side walls.

[0012] The space between the bottom of the vessel and the bottom grating forms a seepage water storage area, in which excess water of valuable biological materials filled into the collection bin dripping wet, is collected. Such a reservoir of liquid is particularly advantageous for the miniclimate, which develops in the collection bin. The liquid in the seepage water storage area namely prevents an excessively dry miniclimate in the collecting bin, the development of the putrefaction, which occurs in conventional waste barrels in the region of valuable biological materials lying in the seepage water, being prevented at the same time.

[0013] The pivotable suspension of the bottom grating, which has been described, is useful especially for the purpose of ensuring that small-format valuable biological material, which has fallen through the bottom grating, is emptied when the collecting bin is emptied. When the collecting bin is inverted for the purpose of emptying it, the pivotably mounted bottom grating swivels into the interior of the collecting bin, so that small-format valuable biological materials, present in the seepage water storage area, can fall out of the collecting bin without hindrance. This leads to a self cleaning of the collecting bin, so that the regular cleaning process, which is required for the state of the art, can be omitted.

[0014] An advantage of the present invention, which is particularly significant from a cost point of view, can be seen therein that the side gratings can be part of an insert, which is installed in a conventional commercial barrel, which may already have openings for the passage of air, or in a different conventional commercial bin (such as a 1.1 m³ cart). In this sense, the side gratings can be held particularly over fastening elements, which are mounted on the inside at the side walls of the bin, and simultaneously fulfill the function of spacers. For example, a set, which is used for retrofitting a conventional commercial waste barrel so as to form an inventive collecting bin, may comprise four fastening rails and/or a plurality of spacers, which are to be disposed between side gratings and side walls, and two side gratings, as well as optionally a bottom grating (see below); the fastening rails and/or spacers are fastened (for example, clipped or screwed) on the inside to the side walls of the barrel and the side gratings are subsequently inserted in the fastening rails or set down on the spacers and secured against falling out.

[0015] By means of the present invention, an outstanding aeration of the valuable biological materials, collected in the collecting bin, is ensured. The fact that the collected valuable biological materials are kept by the side gratings away from the side walls in question of the bin contributes to this. In this way, obstruction blockage and/or coverage of the openings for the passage of air, disposed in the side walls, and prevented. The perforation of the side gratings ensures that the collected valuable biological materials are aerated over a large area. Without the side gratings, provided pursuant to the invention, this would not be possible because a large area perforation of the side walls without side gratings would lead to the loss of valuable biological materials from the collecting bin.

[0016] The advantages, associated with the present invention, can be summarized as follows. The good aeration of the collected valuable biological materials prevents the occurrence of anaerobic processes in the collecting bin. Instead, aerobic decaying already commences in the valuable biological materials collected. The bothersome and/or health-harming emissions, which are developed in the state of the art, are reduced in this way to a level, in which they are practically no longer relevant. As a consequence of this, economically long emptying cycles of eight weeks or even longer or emptying cycles, which depend only on the filling capacity, can be maintained even in warm regions and/or during the summer months, if the inventive collecting bin is used. Contrary to when known generic collecting bins are used, there no longer is any need for emptying incompletely filled collecting bin, only for reasons of hygiene. In this way, the costs associated with the collection of valuable biological materials can be reduced drastically. In addition, the aerobic processes, taking place in the inventive collecting bins, lead to decaying of the collected valuable biological materials. This favors and accelerates the subsequent decaying in the composting plant. Moreover, due to the decaying taking place in the collecting bin, the weight of the collected valuable biological materials is reduced appreciably and the collected valuable biological materials settle or collapse. In this way, the collection bin can take up more valuable biological material in the period up to the next emptying, than it could without the decaying achieved by the invention, the useful volume of the bin, reduced by the built-in side gratings, being largely compensated for by the settling of the collected valuable biological materials, taking place during the decaying. In spite of the reduced useful volume, more valuable biological materials can be collected with the inventive collecting bin within the correspondingly extended emptying interval than can with the known, generic, collecting bins of the same external dimensions. Moreover, the waste collection vehicle, into which the collection bin is emptied, carries less excess water.

[0017] As a result of the reduced emissions, an increased acceptance of collecting biologically valuable materials is a direct effect of the present invention.

[0018] The present invention similarly is suitable for being realized in conjunction with barrels as well as other vessels (such as 1.1 m³ carts).

[0019] In accordance with a first, preferred, further development of the invention, the at least one opening in the vessel for the passage of air is disposed in the side wall of the vessel. For inventive collecting bins, which are intended for use in temperate zones, the provision of two openings for the passage of air, which are disposed in opposite side walls of the bin, is particularly preferred. Particularly advantageous conditions for the exchange of air, which favor efficient decaying, are obtained in this manner. Moreover, the openings for the passage of air can be constructed particularly as recesses in the side wall, in which an insect filter (fly screen) is inserted.

[0020] The side gratings, which are to be used within the scope of the present invention, can have relatively large format perforations throughout, which favors the exchange of air and, with that, the decaying process within the collecting bin, because small format valuable biological materials which fall through the side gratings, reach the cavity existing between the side grating in question and the associated side wall of the vessel. These small format valuable biological materials are also emptied into the collecting vehicle during the normal emptying process of the collection bin. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the perforations of the side grating comprises vertical slots. These are disposed in several rows, preferably offset to one another.

[0021] A drain can be connected to the seepage water storage areas, which are described above. This drain can be constructed in the form of an overflow, which prevents the level of the seepage water rising above the bottom grating. The drain may, however, also be used for selectively removing seepage water, which is suitable for producing a liquid soil nourishment.

[0022] The present invention is not limited with respect to the number of side gratings. Accordingly, four side gratings can be provided in collection bins, the vessels of which have four side walls. However, two side gratings, which are disposed opposite to one another, are usually already sufficient for advantageous conditions within the collection bin. In this case, the collection bin has a holding capability, which is larger than when four side gratings are used. It is also possible, for example, to provide three side gratings.

[0023] A preferred example of the inventive collection bin is explained in greater detail in the following with reference to the enclosed drawing.

[0024] The drawing shows a perspective view of an inventive collection bin, which is the result of the retrofitting of a conventional, waste barrel on rollers, which is used as vessel G. The barrel 1 comprises four side walls 2, a bottom 3 and a lid 4, which can be swiveled up. To this extent, the barrel 1 corresponds to the state of the art, which is adequately known and widespread, so that further explanations are not required.

[0025] Recesses 5 are introduced in two opposite side walls 2 of the barrel 1. A fly screen 6 secures the recesses 5 against entry of vermin into the interior of the barrel. The recesses 5 form the openings 7 for the passage of air.

[0026] Four fastening rails 8 are screwed to the inner surfaces of the side walls 2 by means of screws 9, which pass through the side wall 2 of the barrel 1 in question. Four side gratings 10 are inserted in the fastening rails 8, the side gratings 10 maintaining a distance of about 10 to 20 mm from the respectively assigned side wall 2. The side gratings 10 have a perforation in the form of vertical slots 11.

[0027] A bottom grating 12, which also has a perforation in the form of slots 13, is mounted so that it can swivel about a horizontal axis 14. For this purpose, two axle stubs 15, connected with the bottom grating 12, are taken up rotatably in bearings 16, which are provided in two mutually opposite side gratings 10. If the barrel is inverted for the purpose of emptying it, the bottom grating 12 swivels into the interior of the barrel. Valuable biological materials, which have passed through the bottom grating 12 and reach the seepage water storage area 17, which is disposed below the grating 12, can be emptied without problems. Moreover, the side gratings 10 are prevented from falling out by means of the holding plates 18, which are placed on the fastening rails 8. 

1. A collecting bin for collecting valuable biological materials comprising a vessel (G) with a bottom (3), side walls (2) and a lid (4), which can be opened, and at least one opening (7) for the passage of air, two mutually opposite side gratings (10), which are disposed in the interior of the vessel (G) and at a distance from the adjacent side walls (2) of the vessel (G) and a bottom grating (12), which is disposed at a distance from the bottom (3) of the vessel (G), wherein the spaces, existing between the side gratings (10) and the respective adjacent side walls (2) are connected with the at least one opening (7) for the passage of air and the bottom grating (12) is mounted pivotably at the two mutually opposite side gratings (10).
 2. The collecting bin of claim 1 , wherein at least one side wall (2) of the vessel (G) has an opening (7) for the passage of air.
 3. The collecting bin of claim 2 , wherein the opening (7) for the passage of air is constructed as a recess (5) in the side wall (2), into which an insect filter (6) is inserted.
 4. The collecting bin of one of the claims 1 or 3, wherein two mutually opposite side walls (2) of the vessel (G) have openings (7) for the passage of air.
 5. The collecting bin of one of the claims 1 to 4 , wherein the side gratings (10) are part of an insert, which is built into a conventional commercial barrel (1), which forms the vessel (G).
 6. The collecting bin of claim 5 , wherein the side gratings (10) are held over fastening elements (8), which are mounted inside at the side walls (2) of the barrel (1).
 7. The collecting bin of one of the claims 5 or 6, wherein the perforations of the side gratings (10) comprises vertical slots (11).
 8. The collecting bin of claim 1 , wherein the seepage water storage area (17), which is disposed below the bottom grating (12), is connected to a drain.
 9. The collecting bin of one of the claims 1 to 8 , wherein four side gratings (10) are provided.
 10. The collecting bin of one of the claims 1 to 8 , wherein precisely two side gratings (10) are provided.
 11. The use for retrofitting a conventional commercial waste barrel (1) in a collecting bin of claim 1 , comprising at least two side gratings (10), a bottom grating (12) and fastening elements (8), which are prepared for installing the side gratings (10) at the inner surfaces of the side walls (2) of the waste barrel (1), the bottom grating (12) being pivotably mounted at the side gratings (10). 